COLIN Todd has lined up another foreign swoop to resolve his goalkeeping dilemma.

The Wanderers boss is expected to have a new continental-based player in his ranks for Saturday's home game against Portsmouth after losing his second experienced keeper in quick succession.

He has not identified the player or the country he hails from but confirmed today: "I'm hoping to have him in tomorrow in time for the weekend."

The player will join Wanderers on a short-term contract while his own club side takes a winter break.

Todd explored the loan market after losing the services of Gavin Ward, who had a bi-lateral hernia operation this week, six weeks after Keith Branagan had surgery to clear a long-standing groin problem.

Branagan is back in light training but still some way short of a return to match action, which leaves Jussi Jaaskelainen without cover going into the busy Christmas and New Year period.

That was a risk Todd wasn't prepared to take but he was hamstrung by league rules which allow teams to field only two borrowed players at any given time - a problem since he currently has Sheffield Wednesday's Jon Newsome and Crystal Palace's Paul Warhurst playing key roles - with the added complication that loan players cannot be used in FA Cup ties.

"You also have the problem that loan players can be recalled without notice," the manager explained, "and that's a risk I couldn't take.

"I know that if everything works out I can have this particular player for three months and not have to worry about losing him and being left in limbo again."

Todd will be forced into at least one change for the clash with crisis club Portsmouth, who are losing £40,000 a week and have taken the drastic step of putting their entire playing squad up for sale.

Neil Cox is suspended and Gudni Bergsson is lined up for a return at right back. But the Bolton skipper, who has made a full receovery after a minor groin operation, is struggling to shake off a bout of flu. Mark Fish could be back in the equation if he returns in good shape after his flying visit to South Africa.

Wanderers are still working behind the scenes to strike a deal with Sheffield Wednesday that could make Newsome's stay at the Reebok a permanent one.

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